Manchester United are preparing to face Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round next weekend.
One of Manchester United’s summer signings is still waiting to make his first team debut.
Altay Bayindir is hoping this is the week that changes, when Manchester United travel to face Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Turkish goalkeeper is in line for a starting berth with Andre Onana currently away with Cameroon on international duty.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2024, ins, outs, loan moves
Wes Brown tips Tom Heaton selection
Altay Bayindir could be in for bad news against Newport, according to former Manchester United defender Wes Brown.
Speaking to MUTV’s The Debate, Brown predicts that Bayindir could be snubbed for veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Brown said: “I just feel that Tom’s played before, obviously he’s very experienced. I’ve been watching warm-ups ahead of games and I always notice Tom goes in nets first and gets everything done.
“Everyone thinks he won’t play. He’s played matches before, When needed he’s put him in, he’s done fine, there have been not problems, I just feel Tom’s going to play.”
Heaton, like Bayindir, has not played a single game for Manchester United this season, although did feature in pre-season.
Andre Onana return is also in play
It is also possible Andre Onana could return early from the African Cup of Nations, with Cameroon struggling at the tournament so far.
After two games, Cameroon are third in Group C with one point, three points behind second placed Guinea.
Onana’s Cameroon play bottom of the table Gambia on Tuesday 23rd in the final match.
By Wednesday 24th, the group stage will be complete. This is important as even if Cameroon finish third, they could qualify for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams. But if they draw or lose to Gambia, they will certainly be going home.
If Cameroon are eliminated, Onana will instantly return to Manchester and will probably start in goal against Newport on Sunday 28th.
Altay Bayindir’s missed opportunities so far
Onana’s return would make the Bayindir v Heaton debate a moot point and leave the Turkish player warming the bench again.
It has been a season of missed opportunities for the Turkey international.
Onana was selected in goal in the Carabao Cup games, with Erik ten Hag wanting to give his first choice stopper as many games as possible to acclimatise to English football.
There was no rotation in the Champions League either, even with United drawing a Turkish side in the group. On reflection, he couldn’t have done any worse than Onana did away at Galatasaray.
And then earlier in 2024, Onana was selected in the FA Cup fourth round against Wigan, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.
He was also picked for the Premier League game with Tottenham, delaying his flight out to the AFCON. United drew 2-2.
Newport enter United game after derby win
Manchester United’s FA Cup opponents Newport County come into the game fresh off a 1-0 derby win over Welsh rivals Wrexham.
Manager Graham Coughlan told their club website he is looking forward to the challenge of facing Manchester United.
He said: “It’s a brilliant tie and great for the football club. They’re one of the biggest teams in the world and have some world-class players in their squad. It’s going to be a great test for us and a great event to look forward to.
“We were good today and why can’t we keep this going against Manchester United? We’ve just got to keep going and see where it takes us.”
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